New INTune Radio board appointment marks continued growth for community broadcaster

Sofia Lewis joins board as listener numbers rise and fresh programming planned for 2026.

Shrewsbury-based INTune Radio CIC has announced the appointment of broadcaster Sofia Lewis to its board of directors, as the station continues to expand its presence across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

A well-known voice in local radio, Sofia brings decades of broadcasting experience to the role, having worked with both BBC and independent stations across the Midlands and North West. She joined INTune Radio in early 2025 and has quickly become an integral part of the team, operating the broadcast console for six hours during the station’s Youth Awareness Day takeover in October.

Wayne Flynn, founder of INTune Radio, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sofia to the board. Her experience, warmth and passion for community radio are exactly what we need as we continue to grow. She’s already made a huge impact, and with her leadership we’ll be pushing forward some exciting new projects in 2026.”

Sofia’s appointment comes at a time of significant momentum for the station:

• INTune Radio recently reached 10,000 listeners in a 30-day period – double its previous record
• Annual revenue has grown by over 450% in the year to March 2025
• New programming is planned for 2026, including:
  – Your Voice Matters radio show for children and young people
  – A nostalgia radio show aimed at sparking stories and memories from older residents
  – A new LGBTQ+ Saturday evening programme presented by Sofia
  – An original radio drama set in 18th-century Shropshire

Speaking about her appointment, Sofia said: “I’m proud to be joining the board and to help shape what comes next. INTune Radio has given a platform to so many new voices, and I’m excited about how we can build on that – not just through the show I’m working on now, but by introducing new ideas and reaching new audiences.”

Sofia’s background includes work in live music, theatre, education, and poetry. She is also the creator of the Sound of Shrewsbury Folk concert series, which has raised thousands of pounds for UNICEF’s humanitarian appeals.

INTune Radio will celebrate the appointment on air and across its channels in the coming weeks, and has invited new schools, guests and businesses to get involved in 2026.

“As ever, we welcome local people and businesses to support us – through interviews, sponsorship or just by tuning in,” Wayne added. “And thank you to all the volunteers, many of whom came to us with no radio experience, who’ve helped us grow into something the whole county can be proud of.”